Katrine Haarklau Earns Fifth in Pole Vault at NCAA Championships

EUGENE, OR - Coming off her freshman year with a School Record in the pole vault, Katrine Haarklau had some expectations to meet during her sophomore season. She did that and more today at the NCAA Championships with a fifth-place finish in the pole vault and a new School Record mark of 4.35m (14-3.25), surpassing her previous record of 4.20m (13-9.25) by three bars.

"I really had a good feeling yesterday. Finally things are coming together and I'm just excited to get it all out," Haarklau said of her outstanding performance. "Getting three PR's in a row was just amazing, I loved it. I just like to jump under pressure. [I'm taking away] great confidence. I believe in it now, and to find that feeling right now is perfect."

Haarklau wasted no time on the first two bars, sailing over both on first attempts before having a look at her season best mark of 4.15m (13-7.25). From then on it was the second attempt that got her through to the next round as the field of 24 began to dwindle. After 12 consecutive attempts, Haarklau ran through the final three at the 4.40m (14-5.25) to finish out her day of competition.

"Obviously I'm thrilled, this is a huge breakthrough for her," said Coach Dan Lefever. "Three PRs in a Championship setting and pushing for the top three, it's big time. I tihnk this is going to give her a lot of confidence and trust in what we're doing. It says a lot for our program too, to have somebody step in and deliver their best when the pressure's the most and it means the most."

The Tigers continue into the final day of competition Saturday with sophomore Kearsten Peoples in the shot put and senior Dan Quigley in the 5000m run.